Celebrate the Fourth of July

Once a year, Americans come together to celebrate one of our highest common values: freedom. This year the holiday is especially meangingful.

Here are some ideas for celebrating the Fourth of July:

Click here to send the Declaration of Independence as an e-card.

Read The Declaration of Independence

"When in the course of human events ... "

It's an inspiring document that lays out what freedom meant to our founding fathers. Here's the text.

Send a Fourth of July e-card to a friend

Send an old-fashioned Fourth of July greeting in a new-fangled format. It's easy, quick, and free. In addition to the cards on FoundingFathers.info, you can also send John Trumbull's painting of the Signing the Declaration of Independence or Jasper Johns' Three Flags through Interesting.com.

Display the American flag

Old Glory is the natural symbol for showing your pride in American traditions. If you don't own a flag, FlagLine.com offers good products and service at good prices.

The Stars and Stripes can be displayed on more than just a flag pole. How about a shirt or hat? Maybe a coffee mug or tote bag? Here are good quality items from CafePress with the American flag, the "Betsy Ross" 13-star flag, and the "Don't Tread on Me" Gadsden flag.)

GoCollect has a selection of Independence Day collectibles you might want to browse. Some of this might be too cute for you (e.g., "bearyproud" teddy bears), but there are some interesting items here for just about any taste.

If you would like something more artistic, consider Jasper Johns' Three Flags or another patriotic art print.

Add an American flag to your home page

If you have a Web site of your own, here are some nice, clean versions of the 50-star, 13-star, and Gadsden flags.

Learn some American history

Browse some of our FoundingFathers.info pages, such as the story of how the Rattlesnake became a symbol of American independence (a symbol that has become common again) ... the history of the American flag ... the Federalist Papers ... or the e-text History of the USA.

Enjoy the company of your family and friends

Watch some fireworks, have a barbecue ... :-)